Describes the results of a teaching experiment conducted to investigate the effect of journal writing on achievement in and attitudes toward mathematics. The results of ANCOVA suggest that journal writing has a positive impact on middle school students' (n=104) conceptual understanding, procedural knowledge, and mathematical communication, but not…

Analyzes the influence of calculus performance on choosing a mathematics, science, or engineering (MSE) major, noting the role of diverse students' participation in the Emerging Scholars Program (ESP), which helps strengthen calculus performance and encourage persistence in MSE. Findings suggest that ESP students earn higher calculus grades than…

This literature review pays particular attention to research that: (1) focuses on gender differences in mathematics and science achievement; and (2) offers implications for middle school educators addressing young adolescents' gender-specific needs. The review offers a list of recommendations for middle school educators based on the research. (EV)

Investigated the effects of student working-memory capacity, preference for amount of instruction, spatial problem-solving ability, and school mathematics grades on eighth graders' recall of factual information and conceptual understanding. Pairs of students worked through 16 activities using a dynamic, computer-based geometry program. Presents…

Reports initial findings from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study--Repeat (TIMSS-R). Includes the performance of U.S. eighth-grade students relative to students in other nations in 1999, as well as changes in achievement in participating nations between 1995 and 1999. (Author)

Reviewing the results of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study-Repeat (TIMSS-R) shows that U.S. eighth graders are about average in mathematics and science when compared to students in other countries. The primary lesson from the TIMSS-R is that children learn what they are taught. (SLD)

Using structural equation modeling and data on 10th-grade students from the Longitudinal Study of American Youth, a model was developed to show the relationship to career aspiration of eight indicators of "educational productivity": mathematics achievement; motivation; instructional quantity and quality; home, class, and peer environment; and mass…

An eight-year cross-sectional study analyzed the self-esteem and both mathematics and reading attainments of eight cohorts of Year 2 and Year 6 children from five randomly selected primary schools within one Local Education Authority. Presents the results. Addresses the possible link between national testing and self-esteem. (CMK)

A study of 8,997 women and 6,053 men investigated factors associated with development of mathematical self-concept during college. Results showed that some student background characteristics, college characteristics (including selectivity), and student experiences contribute to an overall decline in mathematics self-concept during college and that…

The benefits of pre-first programs and grade retentions are not consistently supported in the research literature. Study investigates the short- and long-term effects of pre-first programs on students' (n=66) academic achievement in reading and mathematics. No significant differences were found in six of the eight analyses conducted, indicating…

Measures of mathematics achievement were administered to 1,043 Belize students at the beginning and end of third grade. Student learning of advanced mathematics concepts during the year was related to teacher knowledge of mathematics and mathematical ability but not to teacher pedagogical training. Student learning of basic concepts was not…

A study of national longitudinal data examined effects of rural Catholic high schools on mathematics achievement, high school graduation rates, and the likelihood that high school graduates attend college. Findings indicate that rural Catholic high schools had a positive effect on mathematics test scores and no effect on graduation rates or rates…

Investigates the efficacy of student motivation, prior achievement, and previous instructional experience for predicting performance in college mathematics. Findings indicate that student attitudes were significant predictors of grade performance; previous instructional experience was more significant for predicting pass/fail outcomes than…

This reprint of an article on the experiences of two mathematically precocious youths is preceded by a commentary that stresses the increased zest for learning experienced by the accelerants, the benefits of better educational preparation, and the importance of parental support for acceleration. (Contains 9 references.) (CR)

A study was designed to test whether there are differences between Spanish children (ages 7-9) with arithmetic learning disabilities (n=60), garden-variety (G-V) poor performance (n=44), and typical children (n=44) in strategy choice when solving arithmetic word problems. No significant differences were found between children with dyscalculia and…